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Easy DIY Coastal Christmas Ornaments

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The Christmas season has begun, and what better way to start than with these easy DIY coastal Christmas ornaments that can be switched-up for any style and used on large or small Christmas trees!

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments various ornaments and craft supplies with title

So glad you dropped in today!  December is here, and we are well into the Christmas season.  Of course, with this season comes the delight of gorgeous décor!  How ‘bout you? Have you started your Christmas decorating? Sometimes I find myself running a bit late, which has definitely happened this year.  However, I wanted to be able to share some Christmas crafts and decorating tips with you, and we’re going to start today with some easy DIY coastal Christmas ornaments that you can put your own spin on.  And, these are GREAT for large or small Christmas trees.

If you want to add some FREE Christmas decor to your walls, you won’t want to miss these Christmas and Winter Printables.

EASY DIY COASTAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Now, y’all know I live on the coast of sunny So Cal.  And you also know that I tend to love all the blues and aquas that often go along with living in this beautiful and balmy area. 😉 But, have you noticed? I’m not an ‘all-out-beach-loving-decorator’.

how to paint walls fast and easy before photo of living room with sofa media console window bench and decor

Don’t get me wrong! I love the homes that feature beach signs and shells and other beach-coastal elements. But, wait for it…. I really don’t like the beach! Duh, duh, duhhhhhh!  Never have and, at the ripe old age of …, I’m thinkin’ I never will.  So my coastal touches tend to be a bit more understated.  Simply ‘coastal’, not necessarily ‘beach-y’.  Give me some aqua anything, a sand dollar, and a starfish or two, and I’m a happy camper.  Just don’t ask me to camp at the beach! 😉

(BTW, in case you were wondering about the “HomeRight Refresh Your Walls Today” bloggers challenge… guess who won second place?!  You can see all the entries HERE, as well as see the top three winners!)

With that said, we’re going to make a few understated coastal ornaments that, with a twist or two, would look lovely on LOTS of different styled Christmas trees… Farmhouse, cottage, even mid-century modern… maybe?  Let’s get to it!

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General Supplies for DIY Ornaments

Here are a few items that you will need for ALL of these ornaments.  Specific items for each ornament will be listed with the individual ornament instructions.

Ombre Twine Ornament

Additional supplies needed:

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

Make sure to clean all the ornaments with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt/oils from the surface.

Remove the metal ornament top, and paint the whole ornament with one coat of white/off-white paint.  This will ensure that the smallest of gaps won’t show between the twine.  Yep, I learned the hard way.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine and glass ornament on white table

Apply a thin coat of the QUICK DRY Tacky Glue to the top of the ornament, about ½ inch down and around.  Place about ½ inch of the end of the twine going down the ornament, and then begin wrapping the twine around from the top (at the base of the ‘neck’) going down, making sure the end of the twine is hidden underneath as you go.  This will anchor the twine, and it won’t be visible. 😉

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine and glass ornament on white table

Continue adding glue and wrapping until you get to the bottom (Note: as you go, gently press each strand up against the last strand, to help eliminate ‘gaps’.) When you have the smallest of an opening at the bottom, clip off the twine at about ¼ of an inch and twist and glue into the little ‘hole’ that will be left.

BTW, you can also create a Christmas Wooden Bead Garland with cotton twine tassels.

After the glue has dried (wait about ½ hour), it’s time to add the ombre effect.  Starting at the middle of the ornament, use the Whispering Turquoise (or Rose Gold) paint and dry brush the twine, using very little paint at the top, and more as you go down.  “Dry brush” is a simple technique where you dip your brush into the paint and wipe off most of the paint on a cloth or paper towel.  Then you brush the remaining paint on your brush onto the surface you are painting.  For best results, at first, wipe off most of your paint from your brush.  You can always add more afterward.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

To keep the bottom dark and solid, don’t wipe off any of the paint from your brush.

Replace the metal top and admire your creation! 😉

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine ornament on tree with blue ornaments and linen ribbon

You can use any color you want for this ornament and put your own spin on the ombre look. I love the natural appearance of the twine, and the understated coastal style.  (You’ll get to see the Rose Gold color in my next post!)

Extra Sparkly Ornament

Additional supplies needed:

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

This one is SUPER simple! I love how it gives MAJOR sparkle to a large or small Christmas tree, no matter how you choose to decorate.

Remove the metal top from the glass ornament and paint with two coats of your choice of paint.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

After the paint is thoroughly dry, paint the ornament with one coat of Mod Podge and IMMEDIATELY sprinkle a generous amount of glitter on the ornament.  Be sure to cover completely.

Shake off the loose glitter and let dry.  After the ornament has dried (I let it dry overnight), gently tap the ornament onto a paper towel on a firm surface. This will help remove any glitter that didn’t adhere.

Replace your metal top and… easy-peasy!

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments aqua sparkle ornament on tree with blue ornaments and linen ribbon

Again… in my next post, I’ll share my Rose Gold variation!

Twine Tree with Starfish Topper

Additional items needed:

  • Cardboard cut into the shape of a Christmas tree
  • Cotton twine
  • Starfish bead/jewel… THESE are totally cute! (or whatever you desire to embellish with)

Again, this one is uber easy and will look lovely on a rustic tree, coastal tree, or even a traditional tree!  My inspiration for this ornament is from Andrea at The Cottage Market!  Her farmhouse twine ornament is SO pretty!

After cutting out your cardboard tree, apply QUICK DRY Tacky Glue on both sides of the tree (I did about an inch down as I went).  To hide the end of the twine, use the same technique described in the Ombre Ornament.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

Continue to wrap the twine around the cardboard, making sure to gently press each strand up next to the last strand. This will help eliminate ‘gaps’.  At the bottom of the tree, cut the twine and glued it down, then wrap the ‘stump’ of the tree separately.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cardboard tree with twine and glue on table with decorative napkin

Glue the star to the top and slide an ornament hook on the back, and you’re done!

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine tree ornament with starfish topper

(Ooooo, do you see a little Rose Gold peeking out at the top of the photo?)

Sea Glass Ornament with Charms

Additional supplies needed:

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

Inspired by Kim from Sand and Sisal, these sea glass ornaments are the perfect coastal touch for your Christmas tree.  I had never tried creating a sea glass look, so I was especially delighted with the results!

After removing the metal top and cleaning the ornament with rubbing alcohol, take the stipple brush and dip it into your choice of Sea Glass paint.  Using an up-and-down motion, simply apply the paint with the brush setting flat against the ornament.  (I used three coats, but now I wish I has only used two, to get a more translucent look.  But, use as many coats as YOU like!)

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments cotton twine paint glue paint brush and glass ornament on white table

Adding “Charm”

After the ornament has thoroughly dried, add your charms. String your choice of beads on clear beading thread.  Tie off the thread, making sure to leave a loop that is large enough to go around the neck of the ornament, but small enough to have the beads ‘meet’ the metal top.

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments sea glass ornament with bead charms on tree with linen ribbon

And that’s it!  Four easy DIY coastal Christmas ornaments that can be given a twist to add beauty to any Christmas tree!

What would you do to make these ‘your style’?  What is your tree going to look like this year? Let me know in the comments.  I’m definitely going with a coastal tree this year, and I will be sharing my tree with you in my next post!

diy velvet pumpkins just like the pros signature of julie

BTW, these easy DIY coastal Christmas ornaments are being shared at the Merry Christmas Blog party, hosted by Shabbyfufu and Southern Hospitality.  Go visit, and you may find some new blogs to fall in love with!

easy diy coastal christmas ornaments animated truck with christmas tree and title merry christmas blogging party

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61 Comments

  1. so pretty Julie and I agree on the beach-y thing. Oh don’t get me wrong I do love the beach and everything coastal but on my own terms. I would like to make the ombre ornaments but in pink…sigh…another project on my to do list. Happy Holidays from a coastal city in Florida.

    1. Ooooo, pink ombre! I wanna see when you do that. My fam is in W. Melbourne… I don’t remember if I shared that with you before. Thanks for coming by, Kari. Hugs!

  2. Those are super cute! Love the beachy touches! Even though I dont much care for the beach either, lol. Wonderful ornaments my friend!

  3. Love all of these, Julie! Great ideas for crafting ornaments! I’m a beach lover. I love anything from boogie boarding to sitting and reading a book and listening to the waves crash on the shore while digging my toes in the sand. 🙂 I was also a certified lifeguard for many years. 😉

    1. I knew you loved the beach, but I didn’t know about the lifeguard cert. Very cool! Learned something new about you! Hugs, sweet friend!

    1. Oh, I don’t know about dominating, Crissy, but I sure love it this year. 🙂 Thanks for the sweet words, dear friend. You are a wonderful cheerleader! Hugs!

  4. These are all lovely, Julie! Your post just popped up on my FB feed and since I love all things coastal, I had to stop by. I especially love the blue one with the starfish charm. What a lovely way to include coastal decor for the holidays. I’d love to have you come and party with us at Snickerdoodle Party and share your latest with us.

    1. Oh, thanks for coming by, Beverly! I’ll stop on by. I have seen the party before but didn’t have anything to contribute for the season/time that I saw it. Thanks for the invite, and the sweet words! Hugs!

  5. Such cute ornaments, Julie!!! I just had a thought… The clear glass/plastic ornament: You could totally make this with blue waves around the bottome of it, then add a little sand and make a Christmas beach scene with a mini tree in there ~ okay, if it’d fit! Lol!!! Happily pinning for you, as I always love your projects. <3 Happy to be on the Merry Christmas tour with you today.

    Happy Christmas crafting,
    Barb 🙂

    1. That is an adorable idea, Barbara! I think a little bottle brush tree would totally work! I tried to do something similar, but I struggled and ran out of time. We’ll see what next year has in store! 😉 Thanks for the sweet words, and pin.

    1. I TOTALLY understand! How are you doing the blog tours with no tree? LOL! It’s encouraging to know that it’s not just us newbs that are struggling with time. 😉

  6. Julie these are so adorable and so doable too. I really like the twine wrapped tree and can see doing it in regular twine for a farmhouse look!

    1. Yes… My inspiration was from seeing them in regular twine. I was also thinking that they would be cute dry-brushed, like the other twine ornament I did. 😉 Thanks for coming by, Mary! Hugs!

  7. All your ornaments are simply fabulous Julie… Sooooooo Coastal Farmhouse : ) I love your spin on them all and absolutely adore the ombre ball! You are such a creative soul and I love all that you do! Sending hugs and wishes for a wonderful day!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

    1. Thanks for coming by, Andrea… it always makes my day. 🙂 Love all the Christmas features you are doing this season. Thanks for the sweet words, and being such a kind friend. Hugs and hearts!

    1. Thanks, Michelle! I think they would even look good on a farmhouse style (well, maybe not the sea glass ones, LOL). You’re always so kind and sweet. Hugs and hearts, dear friend!

  8. Abosolutely delightful! So pretty.
    I like the beach as long as
    It’s not Hot (above 65 is hot)Donna
    It’s not crowded
    I don’t have to pay for parking
    I don’t have to bring those who bring sand back with them
    So basically I like the beach a day or two a year.
    But I do enjoy your costal farmhouse style

    1. I’m with you, sister! Thanks for the sweet words, and for being so faithful in so many ways in our friendship. Love ya!

  9. Thank you for these easy Christmas crafts. It is fun to find a craft that is easy to do with kids they look so fabulous and like anyone could have fun making.

    1. Thanks, Sue. Definitely can make these with the kids, and they will come out lovely! Have a wonderful week! Hugs!

  10. After reading this I wish I had another month until Christmas so that I could try them! How fun! Maybe we’ll attempt some for next year’s tree. Just gorgeous!

  11. I love these Christmas Decorations. I love the coast, although I don’t live near a coast and never have! Thank you for sharing these cute ornaments.

    1. Thank you, Amy! I think this year I will be going much more neutral, but I do love my coastal touches, even at Christmas! Thanks for stopping in! Hugs and hearts!

  12. Such sweet coastal style ornaments Julie. I’m so pleased that you shared them this week at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. I’ve pinned them and will be sharing later this week.
    Hugs,
    Kerryanne

  13. Wow, Julie, I LOVE your ornaments! You have some great ideas here, and I especially LOVE the blue ball with the hanging beads! It is a winner, winner, chicken dinner! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Hugs to you!

    Tee

    1. Thank you so much, Taralynn! What a blessing! BTW, your comments always wind up in my spam, no matter how many times I “un-spam” it. So sometimes, I might be a little late with my reply!

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